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Throughout Europe, numerous churches serve as monuments of belief, heritage, and stunning artistry. Ranging from modernist creations to ancient sanctuaries, here are some of the most captivating ones recommended by knowledgeable travelers.

A Modernist Delight in the Norwegian Arctic

Often called the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsøysund Kirke in northern Norway is a remarkable specimen of modernist architecture. Its clean, graceful exterior reflects the nearby scenery and evokes traditional local huts. Inside, guests will find possibly the most cozy church benches anyone could hope to sit on. One breathtaking glass mosaic portraying Christ's Second Coming might not appeal to all tastes, but it exudes a powerful sense of grandeur. Leaving this impressive structure following an organ recital to witness the aurora borealis dancing in the sky is an unforgettable experience.

Serene Views and Artistic Legacy in Nice, France

For a long time, I didn't grasp what visitors seek in churches. This monastery in Cimiez changed that.

Its gardens bursting with flowers and herbs offer a spectacular panorama over Nice. A graveyard there holds the grave of painter Henri Matisse, but it is the small chapel that genuinely captures the spirit of a church. While it would never compare to grander establishments, that is exactly its charm. For centuries, it has quietly absorbed centuries of faith. Sitting there produced a sensation beyond mere peace or tranquility; it was a profound realization of the comfort these places offer.

Domes and Rotundas in Brescia, Italy

Tucked away within a maze of squares and winding streets, Brescia's Baroque New Cathedral is a classic illustration of Italian ecclesiastical architecture, featuring exquisite marble and massive domes. Yet, the true highlight of the complex is the Duomo Vecchio, finished in the 1100s. This romanesque round church, including an subterranean crypt, is overflowing with history and character. Together, Brescia's two main churches act as a perfect snapshot of Italy's architectural evolution.

A Glass and Concrete Wonder in Germany

Below Essen in the town of this location rises one of the world's most individual and striking cathedrals. Mary, Queen of Peace, or Mariendom, is a modernist masterpiece constructed between 1966 and 1968. Uneven balconies of concrete and dazzling stained glass form a soaring, light-filled space of welcome that challenges easy categorization as "brutalist". Furthermore, the allure of this less-visited location is the close-by 8-mile Wuppertal Suspension Railway, an incredible feat of engineering.

Mountain Views from a Swiss Gothic Landmark

Perched high overlooking Lausanne, the cathedral offers views that extend from the charming old town all the way to the lake and the far-off Alps. Admission to the church is complimentary, and for a modest charge, visitors can climb the bell tower. Aside from its remarkable gothic architecture and spectacular views, this 800-year-old edifice hosts a diverse programme of no-cost performances, exhibits, and events, solidifying its role as a key cultural hub in the nation's most lively artistic city.

An Orkney Shrine Created by WWII Detainees

A visit to the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands is a profoundly moving experience with the skill and faith of its builders. In the 1940s, following a plea from the camp priest, painter Domenico Chiocchetti and his comrades converted two joined Nissen huts into a chapel. From scraps of whatever they could find, they fashioned a profoundly beautiful space imbued with hope and serenity during a global conflict—an uplifting site to visit decades on.

The Restless Gargoyles of Rodez, France

This pink sandstone cathedral of Notre-Dame in the town of Rodez dominates the skyline for kilometres around. Perched high up overlooking the River Aveyron, this immense, castle-like medieval marvel has survived centuries of construction, plague, and war. Inside is a gasp-inducing chamber of vaulted ceilings and soaring pillars, centered around a colossal organ. The intricately carved seats and ledges are worn smooth by ages. The true attention, though, is frequently captured by the hypnotic leer of the scores of twisting grotesques that appear to burst out of the exterior stonework. They seem less sculpted and more fossilised, like primeval guardians of this beautiful church.

Mysterious Beauty in an Oxfordshire Field

The church of St Oswald in Widford stands isolated in a meadow, reachable solely by a uneven footpath. Leaving your car on a adjacent grass verge, you make their way to a building that resembles a farm building from a distance. The building is primarily from the 1200s, but within, evidence of an earlier Saxon or early Norman church become visible. Archaeological digs have revealed Roman floor mosaics and partially uncovered 14th-century wall paintings. Box pews from the 18th century are still in situ. The resulting effect is one of haunting, beautiful, and potent tranquility.

A Stunning Paint Job in Arbanasi, Bulgaria

Arbanasi, close to the historic city, is home to one of the most magnificent churches anyone could encounter. From the outside, the Church of the Nativity is quite plain—a characteristic perhaps designed to not attract suspicion during the period of Ottoman control. Its interior, however, more than makes up for it. Every conceivable surface is adorned with luminous Orthodox icons and narrative paintings. The effect is utterly overwhelming and immersive.

Winning Tip: Stained Glass Masterpieces in Kent, England

All Saints Church in Tudeley, Kent, established in the 1100s, is structurally rather simple. The church's remarkable feature, however, is its stained glass. Every single one were created by the celebrated artist Chagall. The project began in 1963 with a commissioned piece in memory of a local couple's daughter. The artist was so taken with the church that he offered to design the other panes, a task completed in 1985. The windows feature a dazzling spectrum of blue hues. Being surrounded by this cascade of colour in a serene environment is a blissful sensation. Admission to this extraordinary place is free.